Wellness with Todd Morena

Today, more than ever, kids are participating in organized sports and physical activities. Some are playing for fun while others are highly competitive and hoping to use athletics as a way to get accepted to college. It should come as no surprise, then, that child injuries are on the rise and sports is a leading cause.

February is best known for Valentines Day, a day when we share our love with the special people in our lives. To help improve our chances of living a long, healthy life so we can continue to share our love with friends and family, we need to to be sure we are keeping our heart healthy. According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease kills more men and woman than any other disease. The good news is there is a lot we can do to help keep our heart healthy.

Most people exercise to control their weight and get in better physical condition. What a lot of people don't realize is that exercise can also help to reduce stress levels. It can release tension, improve concentration, decrease the level of the stress hormone cortisol, and increase endorphins (a “feel good” chemical released by our brains).

I'm sure you are all aware how difficult it can be for families to focus on a healthy lifestyle during the holidays due to shopping, family gatherings, and holiday parties. Families tend to over-indulge eating and drinking and pay less attention to physical activity. With a focus on healthy lifestyle choices and simple ideas for fun family physical activities, you can be sure to stay on track.

When we think of exercise, we usually think of losing weight or building muscle, but you may be surprised to learn exercise can also help to boost your libido (exercise is known to improve circulation; therefore helping to increase blood flow throughout your body, including to your genitals).